Talks indicate crime bill conferees still appear far apart

State lawmakers might craft a deal focused on felons

House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo’s point man in talks with the Senate about omnibus crime and sentencing legislation raised the prospect Friday that the two sides could fail to reach agreement and suggested that they consider passing a narrow bill that could win support.

In a meeting with five other lawmakers negotiating the bill, state Representative Eugene O’Flaherty, Democrat of Chelsea, wondered whether the Senate would be open to jettisoning the bulk of its proposal - including changes to wiretapping, restraining order, drug, and sentencing policies - for a plan that would crack down on habitual felons.